Thankfully, Ella has remained stable and is ready for surgery tomorrow. She still has congestion, but time will tell how much of that is due to her inflammed lungs and the hiatal hernia.

In preparation for surgery, her last dose of IV Lasix will be at 2am. So far, it has worked well at keeping her dry. We’re hoping that the IV remains viable through tomorrow for surgery. So far as of 6pm tonight, it has lasted. Usually right about now (48 hours) is when the IV starts to go bad. Pray that it can stay in place!

She has to stop having formula via her food pump at 5am. Normally, it delivers food until 6:30am. To help make up the difference and keep the IV in a good condition, they are going to start IV drips at 5am, once her formula stops. She can have water by mouth until 9am. The surgery is scheduled for 11:45am, but we’ll see how prompt they are with the schedule.

We did not hear or see Dr. Partrick which is a bummer. We were hoping to see him prior to the surgery. Maybe it will happen in the morning. We were just wondering how long the surgery is anticipated to last, given her medical history. Also, we wanted to see if he had any thoughts on extubation (does he normally extubate post surgery right away unless there are complications? or can we expect to see her intubated and on the vent?). Although Ella always calls the shots, we were just curious to hear his thoughts.

Thank you for the outpouring of support and prayers. It means so much to know that there are lots of you out there wishing the best for the Bun.

Along with Ella’s surgery, we have so many other facets of life that seem to be up in the air. We’re trying our best to be patient and just listen.

Please pray for our spirits and emotions as we go through tomorrow. Once again, we are asked to surrender. We’re doing our best to eliminate any anxious thoughts. The Lord will be there with Ella, guiding and directing the surgeon’s hands. We need to trust in Him, completely.

As we face another valley, we pray for Him to be glorified. We pray that Ella can be used as an instrument to bring about hope and truth.

This is certainly not a journey we would have chosen for ourselves, but rest in the truth that He chose us to be Ella’s parents. Now, we’re simply trying our best each day to fulfill the job He’s given us.

Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.